U.S. patent application number 17/069022 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-22 for methods and systems for location determination of radios controlled by a shared spectrum system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CommScope Technologies LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is CommScope Technologies LLC. Invention is credited to Khalid W. Al-Mufti, Michael Gregory German, Ariful Hannan.
Application Number | 20210120430 17/069022 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005211389 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-22 |
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20210120430/US20210120430A1-20210422-M00001.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20210120430 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Al-Mufti; Khalid W. ; et
al. |
April 22, 2021 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LOCATION DETERMINATION OF RADIOS CONTROLLED
BY A SHARED SPECTRUM SYSTEM
Abstract
Techniques are provided for accurately determining actual and
prospective location(s) of radio(s) located in a structure and
controlled by a shared spectrum system. By more accurately knowing
the location(s) of the radios, the shared spectrum system can more
efficiently allocate maximum transmission power(s) to the radio(s),
enhance corresponding radio coverage area(s), and/or diminish
interference to other radio(s) and/or primary user(s).
Inventors: |
Al-Mufti; Khalid W.;
(Sterling, VA) ; German; Michael Gregory;
(Secaucus, NJ) ; Hannan; Ariful; (Sterling,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CommScope Technologies LLC |
Hickory |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CommScope Technologies LLC
Hickory
NC
|
Family ID: |
1000005211389 |
Appl. No.: |
17/069022 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62916054 |
Oct 16, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06T 2207/10028
20130101; G06T 7/73 20170101; H04W 52/386 20130101; H04W 16/14
20130101; H04W 64/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 16/14 20060101
H04W016/14; H04W 64/00 20060101 H04W064/00; H04W 52/38 20060101
H04W052/38; G06T 7/73 20060101 G06T007/73 |
Claims
1. A program product comprising a non-transitory processor readable
medium on which program instructions are embodied, wherein the
program instructions are configured, when executed by at least one
programmable processor, to cause the at least one programmable
processor to: create a point cloud corresponding to at least a
portion of a structure, where the point cloud comprises points and
relative vector position data for each point with respect to other
points in the point cloud; obtain absolute location data for at
least one reference point in or outside of the point cloud, where
the absolute location data comprises an absolute geographic
location; generate absolute location data for at least one point in
the point cloud using the obtained absolute location data;
identify, in the at least the portion of the structure, at least
one radio that utilizes frequency spectrum shared with a primary
user that has priority over the at least one radio to use the
shared frequency spectrum; and determine absolute location data of
each of the at least one radio, where the absolute location data of
each radio is configured to be used to determine a maximum transmit
power of a corresponding radio.
2. The program product of claim 1, wherein identifying the at least
one radio is determined using object recognition within the point
cloud.
3. The program product of claim 1, wherein the program instructions
are configured, when executed by at least one programmable
processor, to further cause the at least one programmable processor
to send, to a radio, at least one of an identifier of a radio and
absolute location data of the radio.
4. The program product of claim 1, wherein the program instructions
are configured, when executed by at least one programmable
processor, to further cause the at least one programmable processor
to send, to a spectrum access system, at least one of an identifier
of a radio and an absolute location data of the radio.
5. A method, comprising: creating a point cloud corresponding to at
least a portion of a structure, where the point cloud comprises
points and relative vector position data for each point with
respect to other points in the point cloud; obtaining absolute
location data for at least one reference point in or outside of the
point cloud, where the absolute location data comprises an absolute
geographic location; generating absolute location data for at least
one point in the point cloud using the obtained absolute location
data; identifying, in the at least the portion of the structure, at
least one radio that utilizes frequency spectrum shared with at
least one primary user that has priority over the at least one
radio to use the shared frequency spectrum; and determining
absolute location data of each of the at least one radio, where the
absolute location data of each radio is configured to be used to
determine a maximum transmit power of a corresponding radio.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein identifying the at least one
radio is determined using object recognition within the point
cloud.
7. The method of claim 5, further comprising sending, to a radio,
at least one of an identifier of a radio and absolute location data
of the radio.
8. The method of claim 5, further comprising sending, to a spectrum
access system, at least one of an identifier of a radio and an
absolute location data of the radio.
9. A program product comprising a non-transitory processor readable
medium on which program instructions are embodied, wherein the
program instructions are configured, when executed by at least one
programmable processor, to cause the at least one programmable
processor to: create a point cloud corresponding to at least a
portion of a structure, where the point cloud comprises points and
relative vector position data for each point with respect to other
points in the point cloud; obtain absolute location data for at
least one reference point in or outside of the point cloud, where
the absolute location data comprises an absolute geographic
location; generate absolute location data for at least one point in
the point cloud using the absolute location data; identify a
location, in the at least the portion of the structure, where a
radio is configured to be installed and utilizes frequency spectrum
shared with at least one primary user that has priority over the
radio to use the shared frequency spectrum, and where the absolute
location data of the radio is configured to be used to determine a
maximum transmit power of the radio; and provide navigation
instructions to guide an installer to each of the location.
10. The program product of claim 9, wherein providing the
navigation instructions comprises sending the navigation
instructions to an augmented reality device.
11. The program product of claim 9, wherein the program
instructions are configured, when executed by at least one
programmable processor, to further cause the at least one
programmable processor to send, to a radio, at least one of an
identifier of a radio and absolute location data of the radio.
12. The program product of claim 9, wherein the program
instructions are configured, when executed by at least one
programmable processor, to further cause the at least one
programmable processor to send, to a spectrum access system, at
least one of an identifier of a radio and an absolute location data
of the radio.
13. The program product of claim 9, wherein the program
instructions are configured, when executed by at least one
programmable processor, to further cause the at least one
programmable processor to determine absolute location data of the
radio configured to be installed in the portion of the
structure.
14. The program product of claim 13, wherein determining the
absolute location data comprises: generate a three-dimensional
model of the at least the portion of the structure; obtain
reflectivity and absorption coefficients for elements of the
structure; select a location of the radio, where absolute location
data is determined from the point cloud for each location; generate
propagation loss model data for the radio; and merge the
propagation loss model data with the three-dimensional model of the
structure.
15. The program product of claim 14, wherein the program
instructions are configured, when executed by at least one
programmable processor, to further cause the at least one
programmable processor to: identify a transmit power level for each
radio; and generate a heat map based upon the identified transmit
power level for each radio and the generated propagation loss model
data.
16. A program product comprising a non-transitory processor
readable medium on which program instructions are embodied, wherein
the program instructions are configured, when executed by at least
one programmable processor, to cause the at least one programmable
processor to: generate a three-dimensional model of at least a
portion of a structure; obtain reflectivity and absorption
coefficients for elements of the structure; select, in the at least
the portion of the structure, a location of a radio utilizing
frequency spectrum shared with primary users of shared frequency
spectrum and used by secondary users of the shared frequency
spectrum, where absolute location data is configured to be used to
determine a maximum transmit power of the radio, and where the
absolute location data is determined from a point cloud for each
location; generate propagation loss model data for the radio; and
merge the propagation loss model data with the three-dimensional
model of the structure.
17. The program product of claim 16, wherein the program
instructions are further configured, when executed by at least one
programmable processor, to cause the at least one programmable
processor to: identify a transmit power level for the radio; and
generate a heat map based upon the identified transmit power level
for the radio and the generated propagation loss model data for the
radio.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims benefit of U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/916,054 filed Oct. 16, 2019; the entire
contents of the aforementioned patent application is incorporated
herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Shared spectrum systems include primary users of shared
spectrum and secondary users of shared spectrum. Primary users have
priority access to the spectrum shared with the secondary users. If
a priority user requires access to shared spectrum, all or some of
the secondary users proximate to the primary user must cease
transmission or reduce transmission power so that aggregate
interference in the shared spectrum is not greater than a threshold
level. Shared spectrum systems may also be referred to as shared
access systems (SASs).
[0003] To determine whether transmission must cease, or
transmission power must be reduced, the location(s) of CBSD(s) of
the secondary users must be accurately known by the SAS. CBSDs of
secondary users may be deployed within buildings which obstruct
signal reception from geo-location services such as global
navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) which are commonly used to
determine location. Without accurate location(s) of CBSD(s), the
SAS may assign transmit power (or power spectral density) levels
which are not optimal to such CBSD(s). As a result of the
non-optimal assignments, CBSD coverage area(s) may be diminished
when an assigned maximum transmission power is too low, or
interference to primary user(s) and other CBSD(s) which utilize the
same spectrum is increased when the assigned maximum transmission
power is too high.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A program product is provided. The program product comprises
a non-transitory processor readable medium on which program
instructions are embodied, wherein the program instructions are
configured, when executed by at least one programmable processor,
to cause the at least one programmable processor to: create a point
cloud corresponding to at least a portion of a structure, where the
point cloud comprises points and relative vector position data for
each point with respect to other points in the point cloud; obtain
absolute location data for at least one reference point in or
outside of the point cloud, where the absolute location data
comprises an absolute geographic location; generate absolute
location data for at least one point in the point cloud using the
obtained absolute location data; identify, in the at least the
portion of the structure, at least one radio that utilizes
frequency spectrum shared with a primary user that has priority
over the at least one radio to use the shared frequency spectrum;
and determine absolute location data of each of the at least one
radio, where the absolute location data of each radio is configured
to be used to determine a maximum transmit power of a corresponding
radio.
DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1A illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a
method of identifying the location(s) of radio(s) of a shared
spectrum system;
[0006] FIG. 1B illustrates a figure of one embodiment of a portable
computing device configured to have a user manually identify a
radio;
[0007] FIG. 1C illustrates a flow diagram of another embodiment of
a method of identifying location(s) of radio(s) of a shared
spectrum system;
[0008] FIG. 1D illustrates a figure of one embodiment of an
augmented reality device configured to display navigation
instructions to a location where a radio is to be installed;
[0009] FIG. 1E illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a
method of determining location(s) of radio(s), of a shared spectrum
system, in a structure;
[0010] FIG. 1F illustrates a representation of an exemplary
augmented reality image of propagation loss data or a heat map as
seen with an augmented reality device;
[0011] FIG. 1G illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a
system configured to determine the location of at least one radio
of a shared spectrum system in a structure; and
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a
shared access system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Techniques for accurately determining actual and prospective
location(s) of CBSD(s), of secondary users and controlled by a SAS,
which are located in a structure, e.g., a building, a tunnel, etc.,
are subsequently described. Further, techniques are disclosed for
assisting an installer to identify where to locate CBSD(s) is also
disclosed. By more accurately knowing location(s) of CBSD(s), a SAS
can more efficiently allocate maximum transmission powers to the
CBSD(s), enhance corresponding CBSD coverage area(s), and/or
diminish interference to other CBSD(s) and/or primary user(s).
[0014] Although the invention is applicable to and is exemplified
in the context of CBRS for pedagogical purposes, it applies to
other shared spectrum systems, such as licensed shared access
systems. The invention will be subsequently described in more
general terms, e.g., using the term radio rather than CBSD of a
CBRS. Also, radio means a radio controlled by a shared access
system, licensed shared access system, or a similar shared spectrum
system. Further. power means power or power spectral density.
Unless otherwise distinguished herein, power means power or power
spectral density.
[0015] A CBRS comprises general authorized access (GAA) and/or
priority access license (PAL) CBSDs and higher priority users,
e.g., incumbent or primary users. The higher priority users, such
as government users for example radar systems, e.g., on ships, have
priority access to certain spectrum in the shared spectrum. A
shared access system (SAS) controller grants the CBSDs access to
the shared spectrum, including assigning frequency spectrum (or
channels) and optionally maximum transmission power. A SAS
controller controls the transmission of GAA CBSDs so that they do
not interfere with PAL CBSDs and the higher priority users. The SAS
controller may also be referred to as a spectrum access system. The
GAA and PAL CBSDs are secondary users; the PAL CBSDs are secondary
users because they have lower priority than higher priority users
such as naval vessels. The SAS controller also controls the
transmission of PAL CBSDs so that they do not interfere with the
higher priority users.
[0016] GAA CBSDs may be of two types: category A (low power) and
category B (high power). Category A has a maximum transmission
power spectral density of 30 dBm/10 MHz. Category B has a maximum
transmission power spectral density of 47 dBm/10 MHz.
[0017] Incumbent users of shared spectrum have first, or highest,
priority to utilize the shared spectrum controlled by the SAS
controller. Thus, incumbent users shall be able to operate free of
interference from other users, e.g., communications systems of
priority access licensees and general authorized access users. Free
of interference as used herein does not mean an absence of
interference, but rather means an acceptable level of interference
which may be no interference or a finite level of interference. The
acceptable level of interference may vary by geography, frequency
spectrum, user type, license type, and/or other indicia. In one
embodiment, the incumbent users include government entities
operating systems such as communications systems, operators of
fixed satellite communications systems, and grandfathered, prior
licensees of the frequency spectrum. Communications systems, as
used herein, shall include radar systems (or radars).
[0018] In one embodiment, PAL users have second (or intermediate)
priority, after incumbent users, to utilize the frequency spectrum
controlled by the SAS controller. In another embodiment, a PAL user
shall be able to operate, when incumbent users are free of
interference of such a PAL user, and free of interference from
other PAL users and general authorized access users. In one
embodiment, an ability of a PAL user to operate free of
interference shall be limited temporally, geographically, and
spectrally within the specifications of its license.
[0019] GAA users have third, or lowest, priority to utilize the
frequency spectrum controlled by the CBRS. In one embodiment, an
operation of GAA users will be governed by laws, regulations,
and/or rules (e.g., pertaining to CBRS). Such laws, regulations,
and/or rules may be established by government(s) and/or standards
bodies. For example, such rules shall only let GAA users' CBSDs
operate when they do not interfere with communication systems of
incumbent and PAL users.
[0020] In one embodiment, the geographic coverage area proximate to
(e.g. covered by radio frequency emissions of) the CBSD may include
exclusion zones and protection regions (including location(s) of
fixed satellite service(s) (FSS(s)), priority access license (PAL)
protection area(s) (PPA(s)), grandfathered wireless protection
zone(s) (GWPZ(s)), DPA(s), and receiver system(s) of environmental
sensing capability (ESC) system(s)). CBSDs are prohibited from
operating in specific frequency spectrum in exclusion zones.
Further, the level of interference generated by, e.g., by all
non-government users and even some government users (including
incumbent, PAL, and GAA users) shall be limited in a protection
region so as not to interfere with certain incumbent user(s)'
communications systems, for example radar on naval vessels,
intended to be protected by the protection region. CBSDs may only
operate with the permission of the SAS controller when an incumbent
user's communication system is operating in a protection zone. In
some cases, this operation will be based upon information received
by an environmental sensing capability (ESC) system, from external
database(s), notification from an incumbent user, and/or from a
beacon (which will be subsequently described). One type of
protection region is the grandfathered wireless protection zone
which is a geographic area and/or frequency spectrum where
grandfathered wireless broadband licensees can operate free of
interference, e.g., of CBSDs. The foregoing are examples of
exclusion zones and protection regions; other type of exclusion and
protection regions may occur.
[0021] Embodiments of the invention will now be described. Such
embodiments address the above cited need to accurately determine
actual or prospective locations of radios in a structure. For
pedagogical purposes, a structure will be illustrated as a building
but can be another type of structure such as a tunnel, etc. For
example, a tunnel may be a pedestrian or vehicular tunnel.
[0022] A point cloud is created. The point cloud is a
three-dimensional representation in space, e.g., of all or a
portion of a structure, formed of points and includes relative
vector position data for each point. The relative vector position
data indicates the relative vector distance from any one point of
the point cloud to any other point of the point cloud. Relative
position is not based upon a fixed point. For example, a point
cloud representation of all or a portion of one or more floors of
the building is created.
[0023] Geo-location data is obtained for one or more points in or
outside of the point cloud, e.g., in the building or by the
building, having GNSS signal reception or having known geo-location
data. Geo-location data may also be referred to herein as absolute
location data. Geo-location data includes three-dimensional
location, e.g. latitude, longitude, and altitude, with respect to
fixed point(s), e.g. pole(s) of the Earth. Known geo-location data
may be obtained, e.g., from surveys. If geo-location data is known
for point(s) by a building, then vector distance data must be
obtained with respect to one or more points in a point cloud
representing part or all of the building.
[0024] The point cloud can be used to accurately determine the
location(s) of existing radio(s). Further, the point cloud can be
used to identify to a radio installer where new radios can be or
should be mounted and/or to model signal propagation of radios in
the structure.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a
method 100A of identifying the location(s) of radio(s) of a shared
spectrum system. To the extent that the method 100A shown in FIG.
1A is described herein as being implemented with any of the systems
illustrated herein, it is to be understood that other embodiments
can be implemented in other ways. The blocks of the flow diagrams
have been arranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of
explanation; however, it is to be understood that this arrangement
is merely exemplary, and it should be recognized that the
processing associated with the methods (and the blocks shown in the
Figure) can occur in a different order (for example, where at least
some of the processing associated with the blocks is performed in
parallel and/or in an event-driven manner).
[0026] The method 100A may be used for existing or new
installations of radio(s) in a structure. However, when used for
new installations, no direction is provided where to deploy the
radio(s) in the structure.
[0027] Optionally, if new radio(s) are being installed in a
structure, then in block 102 install at least one radio (radio(s))
in a structure. The building may have one or more floors or levels.
The radio(s) may be mounted, for example, on the ceiling of
hallways and/or rooms. When installed, each radio may be coupled by
Ethernet to a power over Ethernet (PoE) port of a network device,
such as a power over Ethernet switch; such a connection provides
data and power connectivity to the radio.
[0028] In block 104, create a point cloud representing at least a
portion of a structure, e.g., at least a portion of at least one
floor of a building or a portion of a tunnel. For example, the
portion of the structure may include hallways and/or rooms where
radios may be installed. The point cloud may be created before or
after radio(s) are installed the structure.
[0029] Typically, the point cloud represents surfaces of objects in
a field of view of a sensor to capture data used to generate the
point cloud. The point cloud includes a relative location of each
point of the point cloud, and thus the relative vector distance
between two points of a point cloud is known. To generate the point
cloud, some software post processing may be required after the
sensor makes measurements.
[0030] The sensors capable of generating a three-dimensional laser
scanner include three-dimensional laser scanner(s) and/or
camera(s). The camera(s) may be in portable computing devices such
as a cellular telephone, tablet, and/or laptop computer. The
three-dimensional laser scanner(s) can also determine relative
vector distance, e.g. between points in the point cloud. More than
one scan with different field of views of the portion of the
structure may be required to be taken, and aggregated, e.g., by
software, to generate a desired representation of surfaces of the
portion of the structure.
[0031] In block 106, obtain geo-location data for at least one
reference point. Each reference point may be at a point in or
outside the structure. Each reference point may within the point
cloud, e.g., if the reference point is in the structure, or outside
of the point cloud, e.g., if the point is outside of the structure
or outside of the portion of the structure represented by the point
cloud. For any reference point that is outside of the point cloud,
then determine also determine at least one vector distance to a
corresponding point in the point cloud, e.g. corresponding to a
location of the portion of the structure represented by the point
cloud. This may also be achieved, e.g., with a three-dimensional
laser scanner and/or alternatively with previously measured data,
e.g., from a survey or a building information model (BIM). A
building information model is a three-dimensional computer aided
design (CAD) generated representation of a structure (e.g. walls,
floors, etc.) and its corresponding infrastructure (e.g., plumbing,
heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), power
distribution, data wiring (including power over Ethernet,
etc.).
[0032] In block 108, generate geo-location data for one or more
points of the point cloud based upon the at least one reference
point. This may be done in many different ways. Some examples are
subsequently provided for pedagogical purposes only.
[0033] For a reference point that is a point of the point cloud,
then determine the geo-location data for other points of the point
cloud based upon their vector distance from the reference point.
Because the geo-location data is known for the reference point,
then the geo-location data can be determined for the other points
in the point cloud.
[0034] If the reference point is in the point cloud but not a point
of the point cloud, the geo-location data for one or more points of
the point cloud may be determined by interpolation; the
geo-location data for any remaining points of the point cloud may
be determined based upon the relative vector distance of the
remaining points from the point(s) whose location(s) were
determined by interpolation.
[0035] If a reference point is outside of the point cloud, then
determine a vector distance between the reference point and at
least one point in the point cloud. For example, this can be
accomplished, at least in part, with a laser system and a compass.
For example, a vector distance can be measured between the
reference point and a point on or in the structure. If the point on
or in the structure is not in the point cloud, then additional
vector distance(s) can be measured, e.g., with the laser and
compass (or magnetometer) and/or using BIM data (e.g. exterior wall
or window thicknesses), to a point in the point cloud. If the point
in the point cloud is not a point of the point cloud, then
interpolation can be used as discussed elsewhere herein. If
geo-location data is obtained for more than one reference point,
then the sets of geo-location data for all points of the point
cloud, where each set is determined using a unique reference point,
may be averaged to enhance the accuracy of the geo-location data of
the points of the point cloud.
[0036] In block 110, identify at least one radio in the portion of
the structure corresponding to the point cloud. The radio may be
identified different ways. In one embodiment, object recognition
software can be programmed with dimension data (e.g., shape(s) of
the radio(s) and/or identifier(s) (e.g., product number(s), serial
number(s), bar code(s), and/or quick response (QR) code(s)).
Optionally, the identifier is of a format used by a shared spectrum
system, such as a SAS. The identifier(s) may be reflective, raised,
or recessed so as to be recognizable in the point cloud.
Optionally, the object recognition software may also include
character recognition software (e.g. optical character recognition
software, bar code reader software, and/or QR reader software) and
thus may automatically identify radios (and determine an identifier
uniquely associated with a specific radio if such an identifier was
imaged when creating the point cloud). The point cloud may be
stored and analyzed in a server, e.g., in a cloud system or local
network. Server may also be referred to herein as a processing
system or processing circuitry.
[0037] Alternatively, a portable computing device with a camera, a
display, and/or software (e.g. a smart phone or augmented reality
glasses) may be used to manually or semi-automatically identify the
at least one radio. In the manual mode, a portable computing device
user identifies a radio through software in the device when imaging
the radio with the device's camera. The user then manually
enters--into software on the portable computing device, an
identifier for the identified radio, e.g., based upon a physical
label on the radio.
[0038] FIG. 1B illustrates a figure of one embodiment of a portable
computing device 100B configured to have a user manually identify a
radio. The user captures, or identifies, the radio (AP-37), mounted
in the structure 199d, in a frame 199a in a display 199b of the
portable computing device 199c, and types in the identifier with a
keyboard in the display 199b. The manually entered identifier is
stored, e.g. in the server for example in the point cloud or
elsewhere.
[0039] Returning to FIG. 1A, alternatively, in the semi-automatic
mode, character recognition software (e.g. optical character
recognition software, bar code reader software, and/or QR reader
software) automatically determines an identifier from information
on the radio. The character recognition software analysis is
performed by the server or the portable computing device. The radio
identifier stored in the point cloud and/or in, e.g., another file
or database, in the server.
[0040] In block 112, determine geo-location data for the radio.
Optionally, the geo-location data may be known and is included,
e.g., encoded, in the identifier. Thus, the location data for the
radio can be extracted from the identifier on the radio.
Alternatively, or additionally, the geo-location data can be
determined when object recognition in the point cloud is used. In
such an event, the radio location can be determined based upon
geo-location data of points in the point cloud, e.g. which
correspond to surfaces of the radio. For example, the geo-location
data of the radio may be geo-location data for one or more points
of the point cloud on an exposed exterior surface of the radio
(e.g. a center of an exterior surface parallel to an exterior
surface mounted to a wall or ceiling) representative of location(s)
of antenna(s) of the radio. The exposed exterior surface of the
radio would be defined by points of the point cloud.
[0041] When using the portable computing device, geo-location data
of the radio in the point cloud may be automatically determined by
one or more of the following ways. Firstly, using object
recognition, the image captured by the camera is mapped to point
cloud data. Secondly, using Wi-Fi based location determination (if
the portable computing device and the structure include Wi-Fi
equipment) (and possibly directional information from a
magnetometer/compass in the portable computing device) to determine
a location in the point cloud corresponding to the radio. The
geo-location data of the radio may further be determined as
described above so that the determined position corresponds to
location(s) of antenna(s) of the radio. For example, a portable
computing device such as a smart phone or augmented reality
glasses, can identify the radio using location awareness, or a
combination of location awareness and object recognition. For
example, location awareness can be implemented in a portable
computing device using six degree of freedom sensors. The
determined radio geo-location data and identifier may be stored in
the point cloud and/or in, e.g., another file or database, e.g., in
the server. Optionally, the determined radio location data can be
utilized, e.g., by a SAS controller, to determine a maximum
transmission power of the radio.
[0042] Optionally, in block 114, store the identifier and/or the
geo-location data of the radio in the radio. The identifier and/or
geo-location data of the radio are transferred from the server
and/or the personal computing device to the radio. The transfer may
arise due to the server and/or the personal computing device
independently pushing the identifier and/or the geo-location data
of the radio to the radio, or due to the radio requesting its
identifier and/or the geo-location data from the server and/or the
personal computing device.
[0043] Optionally, in block 116, communicate the identifier and/or
geo-location data of the radio to a system, e.g., a modeling system
and/or a controller of a shared spectrum system, e.g., a SAS or
licensed shared access (LSA) system. Optionally, communicate a
requested operating frequency of the radio to the controller from
the corresponding radio. For example, the identifier and/or
geo-location data of each radio are provided by each radio to a
controller of a shared spectrum system during a registration
request placed by each radio, e.g., pursuant to WInnForum standard
WINNF-TS-0016-V1.2.1 SAS to CBSD Technical Specification, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Alternatively, or
additionally, the identifier and/or the geo-location data of the
radio may be provided to the controller of a shared spectrum system
by the server using data in the point cloud, e.g., prior to a
registration request by the radio. If the controller receives
information from both sources, then the controller can verify that
the identifier and/or the geo-location data of the radio received
from both sources match. If such data does not match, then the
controller can request that the data be re-sent from one or both of
the sources, or otherwise verified.
[0044] The modeling system could estimate the maximum transmit
power (and possibly the operating frequencies) of the radios
installed in the structure based upon information about maximum
transmission power and operating frequencies assigned to other
radios, and/or information about primary users. The modeling system
may be executed on the server or another computing system. The
identifier and/or geo-location data is provided by the radio, the
portable computing device, and/or the server to the modeling system
or a controller of the shared spectrum system. If provided to the
controller of the shared spectrum system, the controller may store
the identifier and/or geo-location data of the radio for future
use.
[0045] Optionally, in block 118, receive, at each radio, a maximum
transmission power (or maximum transmission power spectral density)
level and/or an operating frequency in the shared spectrum. Such
information may be received from a controller of a shared spectrum
system including the at least one radio, or from the modeling
system. For this block, the identifier, the location, and/or
requested operating frequency in shared spectrum of the at least
one radio are communicated to a shared spectrum system controller.
The maximum transmission power spectral density and operating
frequency may be determined by the shared spectrum controller,
e.g., pursuant to WInnForum standard WINNF-TS-0112-V1.4.1 CBRS
Operational and Functional Requirements, which is incorporated by
reference in its entirety. The maximum transmission power (or
maximum transmission power spectral density) and/or operating
frequency may be provided to at least one of the radio and the
portable computing device. In the event that the maximum
transmission power (or maximum transmission power spectral density)
and/or operating frequency are provided to the portable computing
device, such information may be displayed on the screen of the
device, e.g., in an augmented reality mode when a camera of the
devices is imaging the corresponding radio. The maximum
transmission power (or maximum transmission power spectral density)
level and/or an operating frequency depend upon the location of a
radio, a location of other radios of the shared spectrum system,
and the location of primary users.
[0046] FIG. 1C illustrates a flow diagram of another embodiment of
a method 100C of identifying location(s) of radio(s) of a shared
spectrum system. To the extent that the method 100C shown in FIG.
1C is described herein as being implemented with any of the systems
illustrated herein, it is to be understood that other embodiments
can be implemented in other ways. The blocks of the flow diagrams
have been arranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of
explanation; however, it is to be understood that this arrangement
is merely exemplary, and it should be recognized that the
processing associated with the methods (and the blocks shown in the
Figure) can occur in a different order (for example, where at least
some of the processing associated with the blocks is performed in
parallel and/or in an event-driven manner). The method 100C may be
used for new installations of radio(s) in a structure.
[0047] In block 150, create a point cloud representing at least a
portion of a structure. In block 152, obtain geo-location data for
at least one reference point. In block 154, generate geo-data for
one or more points of the point cloud based upon the at least one
reference point.
[0048] In block 156, determine location of at least one radio to be
installed. This may be automatically or manually performed using
the methods described above. Optionally in block 157, display data
from propagation loss model data or a heat map, using
electromagnetic modeling software as will be subsequently
described, over a view of a corresponding portion of structure
using an augmented reality device, e.g. the portable computing
device. The data from the propagation loss model data or the heat
map may be displayed in numerical form, e.g., in decibels, decibels
in reference to milliwatt, or decibels in reference to milliwatt
per ten megahertz. Alternatively, the data from the propagation
loss model data or the heat map can be displayed with visual
indicators such as colors corresponding to ranges of, e.g.,
decibels, decibels in reference to milliwatt, or decibels in
reference to milliwatt per ten megahertz. The data from the
propagation loss model data or the heat map may vary as the field
of view of the augmented reality device changes. Thus, a person,
e.g., an installer, can verify with the augmented reality device
that there is sufficient transmission strength from the radio(s)
throughout the structure, or at least a portion of the structure
intended to have sufficient transmission strength from the
radio(s).
[0049] In block 158, provide navigation instructions to direct an
installer of radio(s) to location(s) where the radio(s) are to be
installed. Optionally, communicate the location(s) of the radio(s)
to the portable computing device which includes a navigation system
configured to provide instructions to an installer, e.g., visually
on a screen (e.g., arrows indicating which direction to travel)
and/or audibly through a loudspeaker (e.g., voice commands
indicating which direction to travel), how to navigate, e.g.
hallways, stairs, elevators, and/or rooms, to each location where a
radio is to be installed. The navigation instructions also
indicated where each radio is to be installed, e.g., with an arrow
pointing to a portion of a wall or ceiling. The visual navigation
instructions may be displayed on, e.g. a screen of, an augmented
reality device.
[0050] Alternatively, the navigation system can be in the server,
and visual and/or audible navigation instructions can be sent from
the server to the portable computing device to be displayed on
and/or aurally emitted from the device.
[0051] FIG. 1D illustrates a figure of one embodiment of an
augmented reality device 100D configured to display navigation
instructions to a location where a radio is to be installed.
Optionally, the augmented reality device 100D is a portable
computing device. In the illustrated embodiment, first indicators
198a, e.g., arrows, are projected over an image of an interior
portion of the structure 199d and displayed with the interior
portion on a display 199b of the augmented reality device 100D. A
second indicator 198b, e.g., a star, is projected over the image of
the interior portion of the structure and displayed with the
interior portion on a display. Optionally, an identifier 199e for
the radio to be installed is shown on the display 199b. Optionally,
the display 199b may identify locations where data and/or power
port(s), e.g., power over Ethernet port(s), to which the radio may
be coupled to a network such as the Internet or an intranet. In
some embodiments, the location(s) of data and/or power port(s)
which can be coupled to radios can be determined by performing
object recognition in the point cloud, e.g. identifying ports and
corresponding identifiers, e.g., face plates. Then, an augmented
reality device can used to identify such ports near a radio. In
other embodiments, cable(s) may have been deployed which are
coupled to port(s) and are configured to be coupled to a radio. To
identify such cables, the augmented reality device can be coupled
to a cable management system, e.g., an infrastructure management
system like CommScope's imVision.TM. technology.
[0052] Returning to FIG. 1C, optionally, display a heat map
(subsequently discussed) using augmented reality through an
augmented reality device, e.g., on the display of the portable
computing device. An installer can thus visualize the signal
coverage of the radio(s) at different location(s) in the structure
when viewed through the augmented reality device. Note, if the heat
map is displayed based upon propagation loss data in a
three-dimensional model, then a transmission power must be
provided, e.g. by the user, for each radio--which may be the
maximum transmission power of the corresponding radio or a fraction
thereof.
[0053] Optionally, in block 160, an installer installs the radios.
Optionally, in block 162, update geo-location data of at least one
radio using a portable computing device. If a radio cannot be
deployed at an intended location, and is elsewhere installed, the
location of that radio must be updated. This can be accomplished
using technique(s) described with respect to FIG. 1A and the use of
a portable computing device. The updated geo-location data may be
stored in the point cloud and/or in software in a portable
computing device used to determine the updated geo-location
data.
[0054] Optionally, in block 164, store the identifier and/or the
geo-location data of the radio in the radio. The identifier and/or
geo-location data of the radio are transferred from the server
and/or the personal computing device to the radio. The transfer may
arise due to the server and/or the personal computing device
independently pushing the identifier and/or the geo-location data
of the radio to the radio, or due to the radio requesting its
identifier and/or the geo-location data from the server and/or the
personal computing device.
[0055] Optionally, in block 166, communicate the identifier and/or
geo-location data of the radio to a system, e.g., a modeling system
and/or a controller of a shared spectrum system, e.g., a SAS or a
LSA system. Optionally, communicate a requested operating frequency
of the radio to the controller. For example, the identifier and/or
geo-location data of the radio are provided to a controller of a
shared spectrum system during a registration request by the radio,
e.g., pursuant to WlnnForum standard WINNF-TS-0016-V1.2.1 SAS to
CBSD Technical Specification, which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety. Alternatively, or additionally, the
identifier and/or the geo-location data of the radio may be
provided to the controller of a shared spectrum system by the
server using data in the point cloud, e.g., prior to a registration
request by the radio. If the controller receives information from
both sources, then the controller can verify that the identifier
and/or the geo-location data of the radio received from both
sources match. If such data does not match, then the controller can
request that the data be re-sent from one or both of the sources,
or otherwise verified.
[0056] The modeling system could estimate the maximum transmit
power (and possibly the operating frequencies) of the radios
installed in the structure based upon information about maximum
transmission power and operating frequencies assigned to other
radios, and/or information about primary users. The modeling system
may be executed on the server or another computing system. The
identifier and/or geo-location data is provided by the radio, the
portable computing device, and/or the server to the modeling system
or a controller of the shared spectrum system. If provided to the
controller of the shared spectrum system, the controller may store
the identifier and/or geo-location data of the radio for future
use.
[0057] Optionally, in block 168, obtain a maximum transmission
power (or maximum transmission power spectral density) level and/or
an operating frequency in the shared spectrum for the radio from
the controller of the shared spectrum system. For this block, the
identifier, the location, and/or requested operating frequency in
shared spectrum of the at least one radio are communicated to a
shared spectrum system controller. The maximum transmission power
spectral density and operating frequency may be determined by the
shared spectrum controller, e.g., pursuant to WlnnForum standard
WINNF-TS-0112-V1.4.1 CBRS Operational and Functional Requirements,
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The maximum
transmission power (or maximum transmission power spectral density)
and/or operating frequency may be provided to at least one of the
radio and the portable computing device. In the event that the
maximum transmission power (or maximum transmission power spectral
density) and/or operating frequency are provided to the portable
computing device, such information may be displayed on the screen
of the device, e.g., in an augmented reality mode when a camera of
the devices is imaging the corresponding radio. The maximum
transmission power (or maximum transmission power spectral density)
level and/or an operating frequency depend upon the location of a
radio, a location(s) of other radio(s) of the shared spectrum
system, and the location(s) of primary user(s).
[0058] FIG. 1E illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a
method 100E of determining location(s) of radio(s), of a shared
spectrum system, in a structure. To the extent that the method 100C
shown in FIG. 1C is described herein as being implemented with any
of the systems illustrated herein, it is to be understood that
other embodiments can be implemented in other ways. The blocks of
the flow diagrams have been arranged in a generally sequential
manner for ease of explanation; however, it is to be understood
that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and it should be
recognized that the processing associated with the methods (and the
blocks shown in the Figure) can occur in a different order (for
example, where at least some of the processing associated with the
blocks is performed in parallel and/or in an event-driven manner).
The method 100E may be used for new installations of radio(s) in a
structure. Optionally, this method may be performed in the server
or another computing system.
[0059] This method presumes creation of a point cloud model, e.g.,
as illustrated in FIG. 1C. The point cloud should be created
wherever a user may want to model propagation loss for a radio,
including without limitation prospective location(s) where the
radio may be mounted.
[0060] In block 170, generate a three-dimensional model of
structure, or portion of structure. The portion of the structure
may be the portion of the structure for which the point cloud was
created, or a different portion of the structure. The
three-dimensional model may be automatically created from the point
cloud, manually created, and/or created from another source, such
as the BIM. The three-dimensional model may be created from the
point cloud by performing interpolation between points of the point
cloud so that a model of imaged surfaces is generated. Because
interpolation is used and the absolute locations of points in the
point cloud are known, the absolute location of any point in the
three-dimensional model is also known. Further, the relative vector
distances between points in the three-dimensional model are known.
Object(s) such as radio(s), cable(s), and/or port(s) (e.g.,
Ethernet, power, and/or power over Ethernet ports) can be merged
with the model. The location(s) of the object(s) can be manually
identified using augmented reality device(s) and/or using object
recognition techniques like those described herein. Thus, the
objects can be made part of the three-dimensional model.
[0061] In block 172, obtain reflectivity and absorption loss
coefficients for elements of the structure. Elements of the
structure including walls, doors, windows, and/or floors and/or
ceilings. Elements of the structure may also include furniture,
equipment, and/or any other objects in the structure.
[0062] The reflectivity and absorbent loss coefficients may be
determined numerous ways. Two examples are described below. The
reflectivity and absorbent loss coefficients may be automatically
ascertained from or using the BIM. For example, the BIM may
identify the type of materials used to form the walls, doors,
windows, floors, and/or ceilings; a separate database, e.g., in the
server or another computing system, may identify the of the
structure elements. Additionally, or alternatively, such
reflectivity and absorption loss coefficients for elements of the
structure may be manually entered by a human. The reflectivity and
absorbent loss coefficients, generated by any technique, may be or
may not be incorporated into the three-dimensional building
model.
[0063] In block 174, select a location of at least one radio in the
structure. The at least one radio should be located where a point
cloud has been created in the structure. A human may select, e.g.,
based upon their experience, the location of the at least one
radio.
[0064] In block 176, generate three-dimensional propagation loss
model data for the at least one radio throughout at least part of
the structure. The propagation loss model may be generated for all
or a part of the structure. The three-dimensional propagation loss
model may be generated using an empirical model, such as the
COST231 multi-wall model or a physics based model, such as a ray
tracing model. Physics based models are more computationally
intensive than the COST231 multi-wall model and may not provide
significantly improved accuracy of propagation loss modeling. For
the COST231 multi-wall model, propagation loss, LT, is:
L T = L FS + L c + i = 1 I k wi L wi + k f ( ( k f + 2 ) ( k f + 1
) - b ) L f ( Equation 1 ) ##EQU00001##
where, L.sub.FS is the free space path loss for a path directly
from transmitter receiver, L.sub.c is an empirically derived
constant loss value, k.sub.wi is the number of walls crossed by the
direct path of type L L.sub.wi is the loss of wall type I, k.sub.f
is the number of floors penetrated from transmitter to receiver,
and L.sub.f is the loss per floor. The following are exemplary
values. For walls, L.sub.wi=3.4 dB at 1.8 GHz for light walls and
L.sub.wi=6.9 dB at 1.8 GHz for heavy walls. For floors, L.sub.f is
18.3 dB at 1.8 GHz. For example, typically b=0.46. Thus, all or
some points of the point cloud will have an associated path loss
for each of the at least one radio.
[0065] Optionally in block 178, identify a transmission power level
for each of the at least one radio. The transmission power level
may be identified by a human. The transmission power level may be
the maximum transmission power permitted, e.g., by a governmental
entity or a standards body, for the radio--or a fraction of the
permitted maximum transmission power. Optionally in block 180,
generate a heat map. The heat map represents power level at
different points in the structure. Using path loss at points,
generate a corresponding power (or power spectral density) level at
the corresponding points.
[0066] In block 182, merge the three-dimensional propagation loss
model data and/or the heat map with the three-dimensional model of
the structure. Optionally in block 184, determine if the
propagation model and/or the heat map is satisfactory. For example,
manually by a user or automatically, determine if the placement of
the radio(s) provides coverage to the areas of the structure which
are intended to be covered. A user may visually view the
propagation loss model data and/or the heat map with a graphical
user interface. Optionally, the graphical user interface allows a
user to visualize the propagation loss model data and/or the heat
map in the three-dimensional model of the structure. Optionally,
additionally or alternatively, the graphical user interface permits
a user to virtually walk through the structure, e.g., in hallways
and rooms, to view the propagation loss model data and/or the heat
map from different fields of view. If the determined propagation
loss model data and/or the heat map are not satisfactory, then
return to block 174. If the determined propagation model and/or the
heat map are satisfactory, then, optionally, proceed to block
158.
[0067] FIG. 1F illustrates a representation of an exemplary
augmented reality image 100F of propagation loss data or a heat map
as seen with an augmented reality device. A set of visual
indicators (numbers or colors) are displayed at different
three-dimensional points of a set of points R in a field of view of
the augmented reality device. The visual indicators indicate the
propagation loss or transmission power (or power spectral density)
levels at each point. A real ceiling 109b and a real wall 109c are
viewed with an augmented reality device. The number of points R is
proportional to the resolution of the three-dimensional model. A
higher resolution propagation loss model may require impractical
processing times to compute the propagation path loss at each point
in the set R, therefore, the three-dimensional propagation model
may interpolate between the set of points R in order to generate a
propagation path loss value between adjacent points in set of
points R, within practical processing times.
[0068] FIG. 1G illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a
system 100G configured to determine the location of at least one
radio of a shared spectrum system in a structure. The system 100G
includes a server 196a communicatively coupled to a portable
device, e.g., a portable computing device which may or may not be
an augmented reality device. The server 196a comprises a point
cloud 196a-1; optionally, the server 196a comprises at least one of
all or part of a navigation system 196a-2, and the
three-dimensional model (3D model) 196a-3. All or part of the
navigation system may be in the portable device 196c. Optionally,
the server 196a comprises or is communicatively coupled to a
communications system (or communications circuitry) configured to
facilitate communications between the server 196a and the portable
device 196c and/or a SAS (e.g., a SAS controller).
[0069] If the portable device 196c provides augmented reality
functionality, then the portable device 196c including an augmented
reality system 196c-1, e.g., software that utilizes other
capabilities of the portable device 196c, e.g. camera(s) and
imaging device(s) such as displays. The portable device 196c is
configured to aid in obtaining geo-location data for at least one
radio 196b deployed in a structure or to assist in deploying at
least one radio in the structure. At least one radio 196b is
configured to be coupled to a shared spectrum system controller
196d. The shared spectrum system controller 196d utilizes absolute
location data for each radio to assign at least one of a maximum
transmission power and transmission frequency to each radio.
[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a
SAS 200. The illustrated SAS 200 includes a SAS controller 220
coupled to one or more CBSDs (CBSD(s)) 228. Each CBSD is operated
by a GAA user and/or a PAL.
[0071] Optionally, the SAS controller 220 is coupled to at least
one environmental sensing capability system (ESC system(s)) 225.
Optionally, the SAS controller 220 is coupled to a central database
227, e.g. which has information about when certain incumbent users
(such as satellite ground stations) and/or PALs are transmitting.
Optionally, the SAS controller 220 is coupled to at least one other
SAS controller (other SAS controller(s)) 226, e.g., controlling
other CBSDs operating in the same or overlapping frequency spectra.
For example, such other CBSDs controlled by other SAS controller(s)
226 and their PALs, GAA users, and associated incumbent users may
generate electromagnetic energy that overlaps the geographic region
and frequency spectra of the CBSD(s) 228 controlled by SAS
controller 220, and thus must be accounted for by the SAS
controller 220 when the SAS controller 220 performs interference
analysis and authorizes operation of CBSD(s) 228 of the PAL(s)
and/or the GAA user(s). Alternatively, the SAS 200 and its PALs and
GAA users, may generate electromagnetic energy that overlaps the
geographic region of the other SAS controller(s) 226, and thus must
be accounted for by the other SAS controller(s) 226 when the other
SAS controller(s) 226 perform interference analysis, and authorize
operation of CBSDs of PALs and GAA users (associated with the other
SAS controller(s) 226). By coupling SASs that are geographically
proximate to one another, each SAS can account for electromagnetic
energy emitted from those proximate geographies.
[0072] Each ESC system detects, and communicates to the SAS
controller 220, the presence of signal(s), e.g., from some
incumbent user(s), such as RADARs. Alternatively, incumbent users
can inform the SAS controller 220 that they are operating, e.g. by
transmitting a signal beacon, or communicating with the central
database 227 which may be coupled to the SAS controller 220. Prior
to notification of operation of an incumbent, the SAS controller
220 models aggregate interference where the incumbent user is or
may be located, and may determine whether certain transmission
powers of certain CBSDs should be reduced, e.g., to zero, in a
frequency spectra. Upon notification of operation of an incumbent
user, the SAS controller 220 regulates the operation (e.g., power
levels and frequencies of operation) of the CBSD(s) to allow the
incumbent user(s) to operate free of interference. The SAS
controller 220 otherwise controls the operation (e.g., power levels
and frequencies of operation) of the GAA user(s)' CBSD(s) so that
the PAL(s) system(s) operate free of interference.
[0073] In one embodiment, the SAS controller 220 includes a
processing system 222 coupled to a communications system 224. The
processing system 222 controls the operation of CBSD(s) 228 that
form part of the SAS 200.
[0074] The communications system 224 facilitates communications
between the SAS controller 220 and other systems or devices, e.g.
CBSD(s) 228, the ESC system(s) 225, the central database 227,
and/or other SAS controller(s) 226. In one embodiment, the
communications system 224 includes a modem, e.g. an Internet data
modem, a transceiver, and/or any other communications device(s)
that can facilitate communications to the aforementioned
devices.
[0075] Optionally, the processing system (or processing system
circuitry) 222 may be a state machine, e.g., comprised of processor
circuitry 222A coupled to memory circuitry 222B; alternatively, the
processing system 222 may be implemented in whole or in part as a
neural network. In the illustrated embodiment, the memory circuitry
222B includes a SAS management system 222B-1. In the illustrated
embodiment, the SAS management system 222B-1 includes a propagation
model and point determination system 222B-1a and a power allocation
system 222B-1b. The propagation model and point determination
system 222B-1a determines which propagation model to use and/or
which points of a region to analyze for the power allocation
process, as further described herein. The power allocation system
222B-1b determines the maximum power level of certain radios.
Optionally, the power allocation system 222B-1b is implemented with
power allocation process that operates substantially accordingly to
requirement R2-SGN-16; however, the power allocation system 222B-1b
may be implemented in other ways to allocate, e.g., equitably,
transmission power of CBSDs.
[0076] The SAS management system 222B-1 also includes techniques
for generating a discovery area around a region including one or
more protection points, and determining the aggregate level of
interference in frequency spectra at each protection point. To this
end, the SAS management system 222B-1 may include propagation
models (e.g., free space path loss model, irregular terrain model
and/or Hata model (or variations thereof such as the enhanced Hata
(eHata) model)) with which to determine path loss between CBSDs and
protection point(s). The SAS management system 222B-1 may also
include a database of information about CBSDs (e.g., geographic
location, height, terrain morphology, and/or effective radiated
power information); additionally, and/or alternatively, the SAS
management system 222B-1 may remotely obtain such information.
[0077] The processor circuit(s) described herein may include one or
more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processing
(DSP) elements, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs),
and/or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In this exemplary
embodiment, each processor circuit includes or functions with
software programs, firmware, or other computer readable
instructions for carrying out various process tasks, calculations,
and control functions, used in the methods described herein. These
instructions are typically tangibly embodied on any storage media
(or computer readable medium) used for storage of computer readable
instructions or data structures.
[0078] The memory circuit(s) described herein can be implemented
with any available storage media (or computer readable medium) that
can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or
processor, or any programmable logic device. Suitable computer
readable medium may include storage or memory media such as
semiconductor, magnetic, and/or optical media. For example,
computer readable media may include conventional hard disks,
Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), DVDs, volatile or
non-volatile media such as Random Access Memory (RAM) (including,
but not limited to, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)), Read Only
Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM),
and/or flash memory. Combinations of the above are also included
within the scope of computer readable media.
[0079] Methods of the invention can be implemented in computer
readable instructions, such as program modules or applications,
which may be stored in the computer readable medium and executed by
the processor circuitry. Generally, program modules or applications
include routines, programs, objects, data components, data
structures, algorithms, and the like, which perform particular
tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
[0080] Databases as used herein may be either conventional
databases or data storage formats of any type, e.g., data files.
Although separate databases are recited herein, one or more of such
databases may be combined.
Exemplary Embodiments
[0081] Example 1 includes a program product comprising a
non-transitory processor readable medium on which program
instructions are embodied, wherein the program instructions are
configured, when executed by at least one programmable processor,
to cause the at least one programmable processor to: create a point
cloud corresponding to at least a portion of a structure, where the
point cloud comprises points and relative vector position data for
each point with respect to other points in the point cloud; obtain
absolute location data for at least one reference point in or
outside of the point cloud, where the absolute location data
comprises an absolute geographic location; generate absolute
location data for at least one point in the point cloud using the
obtained absolute location data; identify, in the at least the
portion of the structure, at least one radio that utilizes
frequency spectrum shared with a primary user that has priority
over the at least one radio to use the shared frequency spectrum;
and determine absolute location data of each of the at least one
radio, where the absolute location data of each radio is configured
to be used to determine a maximum transmit power of a corresponding
radio.
[0082] Example 2 includes the program product of Example 1, wherein
identifying the at least one radio is determined using object
recognition within the point cloud.
[0083] Example 3 includes the program product of any of Examples
1-2, wherein the program instructions are configured, when executed
by at least one programmable processor, to further cause the at
least one programmable processor to send, to a radio, at least one
of an identifier of a radio and absolute location data of the
radio.
[0084] Example 4 includes the program product of any of Examples
1-3, wherein the program instructions are configured, when executed
by at least one programmable processor, to further cause the at
least one programmable processor to send, to a spectrum access
system, at least one of an identifier of a radio and an absolute
location data of the radio.
[0085] Example 5 includes a method, comprising: creating a point
cloud corresponding to at least a portion of a structure, where the
point cloud comprises points and relative vector position data for
each point with respect to other points in the point cloud;
obtaining absolute location data for at least one reference point
in or outside of the point cloud, where the absolute location data
comprises an absolute geographic location; generating absolute
location data for at least one point in the point cloud using the
obtained absolute location data; identifying, in the at least the
portion of the structure, at least one radio that utilizes
frequency spectrum shared with at least one primary user that has
priority over the at least one radio to use the shared frequency
spectrum; and determining absolute location data of each of the at
least one radio, where the absolute location data of each radio is
configured to be used to determine a maximum transmit power of a
corresponding radio.
[0086] Example 6 includes the method of Example 5, wherein
identifying the at least one radio is determined using object
recognition within the point cloud.
[0087] Example 7 includes the method of any of Examples 5-6,
further comprising sending, to a radio, at least one of an
identifier of a radio and absolute location data of the radio.
[0088] Example 8 includes the method of any of Examples 5-7,
further comprising sending, to a spectrum access system, at least
one of an identifier of a radio and an absolute location data of
the radio.
[0089] Example 9 includes a program product comprising a
non-transitory processor readable medium on which program
instructions are embodied, wherein the program instructions are
configured, when executed by at least one programmable processor,
to cause the at least one programmable processor to: create a point
cloud corresponding to at least a portion of a structure, where the
point cloud comprises points and relative vector position data for
each point with respect to other points in the point cloud; obtain
absolute location data for at least one reference point in or
outside of the point cloud, where the absolute location data
comprises an absolute geographic location; generate absolute
location data for at least one point in the point cloud using the
absolute location data; identify a location, in the at least the
portion of the structure, where a radio is configured to be
installed and utilizes frequency spectrum shared with at least one
primary user that has priority over the radio to use the shared
frequency spectrum, and where the absolute location data of the
radio is configured to be used to determine a maximum transmit
power of the radio; and provide navigation instructions to guide an
installer to each of the location.
[0090] Example 10 includes the program product of Example 9,
wherein providing the navigation instructions comprises sending the
navigation instructions to an augmented reality device.
[0091] Example 11 includes the program product of any of Examples
9-10, wherein the program instructions are configured, when
executed by at least one programmable processor, to further cause
the at least one programmable processor to send, to a radio, at
least one of an identifier of a radio and absolute location data of
the radio.
[0092] Example 12 includes the program product of any of Examples
9-11, wherein the program instructions are configured, when
executed by at least one programmable processor, to further cause
the at least one programmable processor to send, to a spectrum
access system, at least one of an identifier of a radio and an
absolute location data of the radio.
[0093] Example 13 includes the program product of any of Examples
9-12, wherein the program instructions are configured, when
executed by at least one programmable processor, to further cause
the at least one programmable processor to determine absolute
location data of the radio configured to be installed in the
portion of the structure.
[0094] Example 14 includes the program product of Example 13,
wherein determining the absolute location data comprises: generate
a three-dimensional model of the at least the portion of the
structure; obtain reflectivity and absorption coefficients for
elements of the structure; select a location of the radio, where
absolute location data is determined from the point cloud for each
location; generate propagation loss model data for the radio; and
merge the propagation loss model data with the three-dimensional
model of the structure.
[0095] Example 15 includes the program product of Example 14,
wherein the program instructions are configured, when executed by
at least one programmable processor, to further cause the at least
one programmable processor to: identify a transmit power level for
each radio; and generate a heat map based upon the identified
transmit power level for each radio and the generated propagation
loss model data.
[0096] Example 16 includes a method, comprising: creating a point
cloud corresponding to at least a portion of a structure, where the
point cloud comprises points and relative vector position data for
each point with respect to other points in the point cloud;
obtaining absolute location data for at least one reference point
in or outside of the point cloud, where the absolute location data
comprises an absolute geographic location; generate absolute
location data for at least one point in the point cloud using the
absolute location data; identifying a location, in the at least the
portion of the structure, where a radio is configured to be
installed and utilizes frequency spectrum shared with at least one
primary user that has priority over the radio to use the shared
frequency spectrum, and where the absolute location data of the
radio is configured to be used to determine a maximum transmit
power of the radio; and providing navigation instructions to guide
an installer to the location.
[0097] Example 17 includes the method of Example 16, wherein
providing the navigation instructions comprises sending the
navigation instructions to an augmented reality device.
[0098] Example 18 includes the method of any of Examples 16-17,
further comprising sending, to a radio, at least one of an
identifier of a radio and absolute location data of the radio.
[0099] Example 19 includes the method of any of Examples 16-18
further comprising sending, to a spectrum access system, at least
one of an identifier of a radio and an absolute location data of
the radio.
[0100] Example 20 includes the method of Example 17, further
comprising determining absolute location data of each of the radio
configured to be installed in the portion of the structure.
[0101] Example 21 includes the method of Example 20, wherein
determining the absolute location data comprises: generating a
three-dimensional model of the at least the portion of the
structure; obtaining reflectivity and absorption coefficients for
elements of the structure; selecting a location of the radio, where
absolute location data is determined from the point cloud for each
location; generating propagation loss model data for the radio; and
merging the propagation loss model data with the three-dimensional
model of the structure.
[0102] Example 22 includes the method of Example 21, further
comprising: identifying a transmit power level for each radio; and
generating a heat map based upon the identified transmit power
level for each radio and the generated propagation loss model
data.
[0103] Example 23 includes a program product comprising a
non-transitory processor readable medium on which program
instructions are embodied, wherein the program instructions are
configured, when executed by at least one programmable processor,
to cause the at least one programmable processor to: generate a
three-dimensional model of at least a portion of a structure;
obtain reflectivity and absorption coefficients for elements of the
structure; select, in the at least the portion of the structure, a
location of a radio utilizing frequency spectrum shared with
primary users of shared frequency spectrum and used by secondary
users of the shared frequency spectrum, where absolute location
data is configured to be used to determine a maximum transmit power
of the radio, and where the absolute location data is determined
from a point cloud for each location; generate propagation loss
model data for the radio; and merge the propagation loss model data
with the three-dimensional model of the structure.
[0104] Example 24 includes the program product of Example 23,
wherein the program instructions are further configured, when
executed by at least one programmable processor, to cause the at
least one programmable processor to: identify a transmit power
level for the radio; and generate a heat map based upon the
identified transmit power level for the radio and the generated
propagation loss model data for the radio.
[0105] Example 25 includes a method, comprising: generating a
three-dimensional model of at least a portion of a structure;
obtaining reflectivity and absorption coefficients for elements of
the structure; selecting, in the at least the portion of the
structure, a location of a radio utilizing frequency spectrum
shared with primary users of shared frequency spectrum and used by
secondary users of the shared frequency spectrum, where absolute
location data is configured to be used to determine a maximum
transmit power of each radio, and where the absolute location data
is determined from a point cloud for each location; generating
propagation loss model data for the radio; and merging propagation
loss model data with the three-dimensional model of the
structure.
[0106] Example 26 includes the method of Example 25, further
comprising: identifying a transmit power level for the radio; and
generating a heat map based upon the identified transmit power
level for the radio and the generated propagation loss model data
for the radio.
[0107] Terms of relative position as used in this application are
defined based on a plane parallel to the conventional plane or
working surface of a layer or substrate, regardless of orientation.
The term "horizontal" or "lateral" as used in this application are
defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or working
surface of a layer or substrate, regardless of orientation. The
term "vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to the
horizontal. Terms such as "on," "side" (as in "sidewall"),
"higher," "lower," "over," "top," and "under" are defined with
respect to the conventional plane or working surface being on the
top surface of a layer or substrate, regardless of orientation.
[0108] A number of embodiments of the invention defined by the
following claims have been described. Nevertheless, it will be
understood that various modifications to the described embodiments
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
claimed invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *